“Upon the subject of education… I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in.” This quote was said by Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, one of the most pivotal figures in American history.

President Trump, after his inauguration, signed many executive orders, but perhaps one of the most shocking orders that sent shockwaves was the closure of the U.S. Department of Education. But to really understand why this is a big deal, we need to first understand what exactly the U.S. Department of Education is, why it was created, why it was closed, and what this holds for schools, colleges, and American kids.

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What is the U.S. Department of Education?

The Department of Education was created in 1867 when President Andrew Johnson signed legislation creating the first federal education agency. Its primary aim at the start was to help states develop effective school systems. Its key goals were to ensure equal access to education, regardless of race, color, and national origin, promote educational excellence, and support low-income students.

Why Did Trump Want to Close the Education Department?

Trump and his administration believed that education should primarily be managed at the state and local levels rather than by a federal agency. By giving states this autonomy, they thought it would lead to better-tailored and more effective educational policies for each state. This might be beneficial for wealthier states such as California, New York, Florida, and Texas because these states have the resources to provide better education. However, other states simply do not have the funds to do so.

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#equaleducation

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